We are once again at that time of the year when the entire state is in a festive mood. The Christmas and New Year celebrations in Goa usher in that period of revelry where not only are the locals commemorating the occasions with traditional fervour, but it is also party time for those multitudes who throng the state to partake in the jubilations.
In a region renowned for heritage meeting holiday cheer, there are locations in Goa where, for those seeking a party paradise under the starry sky, promises of a bohemian bliss for New Year’s Eve always show a upsurge in tourist footfall during the season year after year.
The “Party Capital of India” as it is affably called; Goa for that matter is in a party-mood all around the year. But it is the December month that beckons visitors with a medley of exhilarating options which makes Goa the place to be in during that time.
The very fact that people from different communities in the state partake in these celebrations lends more charm to the festivities.
Moreover, with the young and old alike pouring in their creative minds to recreate the nativity scene, community cribs with awe-inspiring themes will soon be dotting the landscape in Goa attracting large crowds to the venues.
Even with the threats of a new strain of the Coronavirus looming large over the state, one could say with absolute conviction that the ‘health hazard’ will not deter more and more people from coming to Goa to be a part of the celebrations. Nor will it dampen the spirits of locals who will all be revved up by the mere thought of opportunities aplenty for merrymaking.
It is however the thought of these ‘crowds’ traversing about across the state celebrating the festive mood that gives one the jitters. Just as much as the haphazard vehicular movement, it’s the year-end crowds converging in the state to enjoy Christmas and New Year carousel that is a serious cause of concern.
As Goans will readily agree, over the years, this is that time of the year which has usually proven to be the most unfortunate and disastrous one for many an unsuspecting reveller. Accidents are just waiting to happen!
Road fatalities have always shown an upward trend during this period. The more the vehicles on the roads the more the chances of a mishap. And the wayward habits and the devil-may-care attitude of party-goers have not helped matters either!
Always in high-spirits, levels of alcohol tolerance have been put to serious test by errant drivers. Found to be in an advanced state of inebriation, many have risked not only their lives but also of fellow road users.
Not that one could discount human error and such other risks which could contribute to an accident, but alcohol consumption has evidently played a major role in almost all the road accidents that are reported during this time.
A belief that one should not be going to Goa if you don’t drink and party is fast gaining credence amongst youngsters. Free-flowing booze seems to be a prerequisite without which parties are not complete.
Already having gained fame as a state where there are more taverns than tea-stalls, the ready availability of liquor has never been in doubt. Besides, with drinking being a part of social culture in Goa, the presence of alcoholic beverages in parties and functions, it is being asserted, conform to social norms.
But that does not mean that every second man in Goa is a boozard, an alcoholic. A quintessential Goan will tell you that despite a peg or two being seen as an accepted custom during parties, there are many locals who wouldn’t mind saying cheers with a glass of tonic water these days.
It is however the party culture favoured by those visiting Goa that has reversed trends. Parties have begun to follow a pattern where, ‘getting zonked’ is the new ‘pursuit’ much favoured by the ‘newgen’ tourists.
People coming to Goa with the notion that liquor is that one factor which primarily lends the state its happiness quotient need to be told so otherwise and in no uncertain terms at that.
It is however liquor that has always caused misery to the locals, especially so due to the irresponsible behaviour of visitors who come to Goa to ‘chill out’.
The festive blend of music, energy and celebration in Goa organized by event promoters during Christmas and New Year in the last few years is an open-invitation for people to partake in ‘the spectacular celebration, immerse in high-energy performances, vibrant beats and a festive atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas and New Year’. (From a programme brochure)
Setting the tone for the evening, such programmes during the festive season are money-spinners and undoubtedly a boost for tourism in the state.
But we forget that unruly elements that are as boisterous at the performance venues as they are driving on the roads and thoroughfares in the state - and virtually in ‘high spirits’ - are potent threats to the safety of people. How could a check be kept on them!
Even otherwise, Goan roads have turned into virtual death traps for commuters without the maniac ways some of the drivers compounding matters further.
Peak tourist seasons are known to throw the traffic for a toss in Goa. The extra rush on its roads continue to give commuters the nightmares as well.
But having said that, one is however at pain to understand the reality of precious lives being lost due to road accidents during the season year-after-year.
While people are in a joyous mood and in equal hurry to usher in the New Year, the regularity of these accidents during the festive season has often cast a pall of gloom over the whole state.
One cannot be careful enough!
